The Best Upright Freezers
Everyone talks about the stand-alone mini-refrigerator, but from where we sit, the upright freezer doesn't get enough love. While many new refrigerator models include a pullout freezer, there are plenty of reasons to opt for a separate freezing space. Whether you're storing breast milk, stock ice, pizzas, or you just need a little extra shelf space, the upright freezer might be your answer. Like most cooling appliances, we made sure to pay special attention to a few key factors: temperature control, overall size, and noise. Midea's upright freezer earned top marks for its impressive temperature range, average size, and relatively low noise. If you're looking for something even smaller, Whynter offers a unit that measures just over one cubic foot that's sure to slide in the tightest of spaces. And if size isn't an issue at all, we'd recommend checking out Frigidaire's model that has four full racks, a basket, and a special shelf for pizza storage. Read on to find the upright freezer that fits both your budget and your space.
Midea MRU03M2ABB Freezer
Small but mighty
In a world where most appliances are one-size-fits-all, Midea’s freezer sets itself apart from the rest. Measuring up at three cubic feet, it’s on the compact end of the spectrum. But don’t let that fool you. A removable wire shelf and reversible door hinge give you the freedom to store awkwardly sized objects in any kitchen space. To top it off, it has a 20-degree temperature range, adjustable feet, and a child-lock feature. And operating at around 42 dB, this freezer will be the last thing to keep you up at night.
Pros:
- Even though it’s on the smaller side, this freezer isn’t flimsy or cheap. Thanks to a tactfully placed shelf and basket, it has a solid build that fits everything you need.
- Because it can freeze food in a matter of hours, it’s ideal for storing meat or making ice cubes.
Cons:
- We’d love to see the temperature control in a different spot; it’s placed on the back, near the compressor, making it difficult to access.
Whynter CUF-110B Freezer
Cool savings
Whether you’re riding the tiny house trend, living in a sprinter van, or holed up in a small studio apartment, Whynter’s Energy Star-rated freezer is here to keep your food arctic cold. It’s just over one cubic foot and takes up less energy than a light bulb. Like many smaller appliances, it comes with a lock and two keys just in case you’re keeping a tight leash on your ice cream stash.
Pros:
- We were pleasantly surprised at just how much food fit in this freezer. It’s compact but still very practical.
- It works well in a variety of climates, thanks to a secure seal that will keep food frozen even when you don’t have access to power.
Cons:
- We’d love to see some adjustable legs on this freezer, just in case it needs to be leveled out or raised up.
Kismile KM-D5888W Compact Freezer
Don't hear a thing
Speaking from experience, we know how obnoxious loud appliances can be. We’ve all had that one apartment with a washer that woke up the neighbors or a fridge that droned on all through the night. Thankfully, Kismile’s compact freezer runs at 40 dB — which, for all intents and purposes, registers just above a whisper. Plus, it has a seven-grade adjustable temperature gauge that’s easily accessible from the inside and three shelves of varying heights.
Pros:
- This freezer operates so quietly that you might wonder if it’s actually working. It keeps your small space from becoming overrun with appliance noises.
- The extra-thick rubber seal on the door ensures that your food stays frozen without wasting any energy, compensating for a finicky door.
Cons:
- Even though the shelves are placed at different heights, they’re not entirely removable. This can limit storage space for larger items.
Koolatron KTUF160 Freezer
Turn a little into a lot
If you’re short on floor space, check out Koolatron’s slim upright freezer. It’s one of the larger models on our list with a capacity of just over five cubic feet, but its width still sits well under the two-foot mark. Inside, you’ll find four removable glass shelves, one of which can be adjusted to store taller items. And best of all, it features a special upper compartment for thin items like frozen pizzas.
Pros:
- We love the versatility of this freezer. It has a wide temperature range, so you can even use it as a refrigerator in a pinch.
- Unlike some smaller freezers, the temperature control is centrally located, making it easy to adjust at any time.
Cons:
- Because the upper limit of the temperature range is much higher than usual, this freezer can tend towards cool rather than cold.
Frigidaire FFFU16F2VW Freezer
All the room you need
Even though most refrigerators come with full-size freezers now, we couldn’t give compact units all the attention. Thanks to five full-width door bins, four wired shelves, and a wire basket, Frigidaire’s upright freezer is ideal for families or house-sharing arrangements. Its total capacity is just over 15 cubic feet, and it features a three-setting temperature gauge. And if you’re worried about little ones leaving the door open, just listen for the alarm that lets you know if it’s ajar.
Pros:
- We know it seems like a small detail, but the green light at the bottom of the freezer makes it accessible in dark, unfinished basements or garages.
- Regardless of where you store food, the EvenTemp cooling ensures that everything stays evenly frozen.
Cons:
- The only feature that would make this a better household purchase is an internal ice maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I keep my freezer at?
Though it varies on what you’re storing, a good rule of thumb is to keep it at 0° Fahrenheit or lower. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria that can spread foodborne illnesses. Be sure to check temperatures regularly, especially if you’re in a mobile home or RV with limited power access.
What does accumulating frost mean?
Contrary to popular belief, frost doesn’t necessarily mean that your freezer is too cold. Most often, it’s a sign that your defrost heater has stopped working. It can also be a sign that you’re opening and closing the freezer too often or not closing it completely. It’s not the end of the world, but it can certainly run up an electric bill if you’re not careful.
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